Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Now!
No!
Condemnation!
Those three words will change your life if you believe them. Now means right now, not at some indefinite time in the future. No means none whatsoever, not even a trace. Condemnation means there is no judgment or punishment for any sin you commit since it was all judged and punished at the cross of Jesus Christ in your place for your sins.
Do you believe in and belong to Jesus Christ? If so, then you are “in Christ Jesus”. This little phrase from Paul has enormous implications. Some 316 times in his 13 letters, the Apostle Paul uses terms such as “in Christ”, “in him” and, “in the beloved”. This language is basically not found prior to Paul, is rare outside of Paul, and is his unique way to explain in practical terms the identity of every true Christian.
Positionally, to be “in Christ Jesus” is to receive the benefits of Jesus dying in your place, and putting you in His place, on the cross. Theologians like to call this “substitution” as, on the cross, Jesus traded places with you by taking your place and putting you in His place. This means you are righteous if you are “in Christ Jesus” because His righteousness has been imputed to you as a gift.
Practically, to be “in Christ Jesus” is to receive the benefits of Jesus living in you by the powerful presence of God the Holy Spirit. Theologians like to call this “regeneration” as Christ lives in and through you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Not only did the Holy Spirit empower Jesus’ life, He also indwells you to empower your life. This means you are empowered if you are “in Christ Jesus” because His power has been imparted to you as a gift so that His life is not just to be admired by you, but also experienced through you.
Are you in Christ Jesus? Do you truly believe that right now, at this very moment, there is absolutely no condemnation for you in Christ Jesus?
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